MILAN, ITALY | The Italian printing and converting machinery industry, represented by ACIMGA, the Italian Manufacturers’ Assn. of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting and Paper Industry, reported a sales increase of 4% in 2008–boosted by an 8.4% increase in exports. That was in spite of a slowdown in the final quarter due to the worldwide recession.

This figure was much higher than the 2.8% increase registered the year before, and, despite a reduction in imports (down by 8.4%) the result was a positive trade-balance of almost 720 million Euros, 33% up on 2007.

Last year saw a redistribution in the flow of Italian machinery exports to the various continental areas. In North America, there was a drop of 2.9%, against an increase of 19.1% the year before. However, the Central-Southern American area realized an increase of 53.7%, which was much higher than the Asian entry (+37.6%).

Demand from the European market was still weak, with a decrease of 2.9%, (versus a 2.7% the previous year). Among the destination countries, China did well, going up from sixth to third place with an increase of 58.6%.

In addition, the “Cosmic Event”– the IPACK-IMA, Grafitalia and Converflex at Fieramilano exhibition center, was deemed a success after five intensive days. The result is far better than the most optimistic expectations, both in terms of quantity and quality of visitors.

Approximately 2,100 exhibitors covered a 90,000 sq m area; the event also attracted 125,000 trade buyers, many of whom came from international countries, bearing testimony to the strong orientation towards exports of the top Italian industry. IPACK-IMA reported that 25% over a total of 54,000 were international visitors, while international attendance was 11% for Grafitalia, with over 38,000 visitors, and 20% for Converflex, with over 33,000 visitors.